Valve covers - what do you have?

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chrisntam

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PC052992.webp PC052991.webp As I have shaft rockers, I can't use the factory valve covers on my 507. Marty hooked me up with the cheapie chrome covers he sold at the time, but they are leaking oil slightly. I haven't put new gaskets on them, thinking I might step up and get some better ones. I recall they cost less that $50 for the pair, I see Paul is selling some chrome ones now for around $100. Wonder if they're the same ones...... And then there are the ones that cost $300 to $600+ not wanting to spend $600+, but won't mind spending $300+.

I don't want them to be massive, I just want them to clear the shafts, look decent and not leak. I imagine if I put new gaskets on the ones I have nowPC052992.webp PC052991.webp , that would stop the oil seep. I like the ribbed ones OPGI sells, but I don't see any provision for oil breather or a pcv valve. I have a chrome open element air cleaner too.

Which ones to you have and do you like them? Do they leak?

There doesn't seem to be much choice on the valve cover front for us....
 
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I have the old cast aluminum PML covers. I think MTS and Cadco and the manufacturer still sell them, sometimes with script. I like my car stuff not to be too flashy, so they are a nice fit for me. clear any shaft system you can get, and they look great in my opinion. Im not a fan of how they seal, but if you get it right they will not ever leak. If i had the choice, i would use factory covers, but they dont clear the shaft rockers. The factory covers have a formed lip at the bottom that holds the shape of the gasket. But most aftermarket covers are flat on the bottom. This allows the gasket to slip out, or not be perfectly straight. this is how leaks happen.

I use cork gaskets, with a dab of RTV in between bolts to hold it long enough for the cork to saturate with oil and swell a bit. After that they wont leak. Dont use rubber valve cover gaskets, they will slip out and leak.

In the pix, the first two are of my covers. On engine, and underside. Notice how the sealing surface is flat? Last pic is of an olds factory cover. See the "lip" all around the outer rim? Thats what helps retain the shape of the gasket and gives a good seal. Even a bit of crank case pressure isnt going to push it out between the bolt holes.

Hope that helps.

IMG_3548.webp IMG_1494.webp valvecover.webp
 
haha NO dont ever use those breathers. A buddy and I picked them up at a swap meet many years ago for $2each, we thought we were stealing them. They dont seal, and are a bit too free flowing. I seem to get more smoke out of them than with no breather at all. They are only in there to keep dust or insects out in that picture.

At the moment i am running a PCV valve on one cover, and a Moroso breather on the other with a rag ziptied beneath it to catch oil. <<<---this is the setup im happy with.
 

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